Scenic bywayCited official sources
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway — Prairie Creek Redwoods
10 miles. NPS-managed parkway through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. RV-friendly with caveats.
The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway parallels US-101 for 10 miles through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, within the Redwood National + State Parks complex in northern California. The parkway is one-way for sections (south to north) and RV-friendly for vehicles up to 24 feet. Larger RVs are advised to use US-101.
Photo: Redwood National and State Parks, California — the parkway runs through the park's old growth.
At a glance
Route facts worth checking before you roll out
Conservative, source-minded numbers for planning — always confirm against current conditions and state DOT 511 before you depart.
Distance
10 mi
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Drive time
0.5–1 hr
Elevation
0–800 ft
RV compatibility
Small RV only (Class B / van)
Max length 24 ft
Best season
Year-round.
Cell coverage. Limited. Plan offline.
Elevation profile
Sea level to about 800 ft.
Will your rig fit?
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway posts a 24-foot vehicle limit. Measured against the rigs listed on PickRV, 8 of 18 sizes clear it.
- Teardrop12 ft
- A-Frame Pop13 ft
- Pop-Up Camper14 ft
- Class B Pop18 ft
- Silver-Bullet Travel Trailer19 ft
- Class B City Camper Van21 ft
- Class B Camper Van Conversion22 ft
- Luxury Class B Touring Coach24 ft
10 of our listed sizes cannot drive it — everything from the class c cascade loop at 25 ft upward.
The vertical line is the posted 24-foot limit. Lengths are the ones on our own listings, not manufacturer averages — check your rig's registration before you drive it.
See rigs this sizeVehicle restrictions
- NPS advises against vehicles over 24 ft
- One-way sections
- Tight curves and narrow lanes
What you get on the parkway
Big Tree Wayside: short walk to the Big Tree, one of the largest individual coast redwoods.
Elk Meadow: Roosevelt elk routinely visible from the parkway.
Cathedral Trees Trail: short loop.
Prairie Creek Visitor Center: park headquarters.
Multiple trailheads accessing more remote groves.
What NPS Redwood + Visit Redwoods doesn't tell you
NPS Redwood combines four units: Redwood NP, Prairie Creek SP, Del Norte Coast SP, Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP. The federal-state cooperative management is unusual. Newton B. Drury is in the Prairie Creek section.
For RV travelers, the Big Tree wayside and Elk Meadow are accessible from US-101 via short spurs even for large rigs. Don't feel you need to drive the parkway if your rig is over 24 ft.
Frequently asked questions
- Are Roosevelt elk dangerous?
- Wild and large. Maintain 50+ feet distance. Don't approach for photos.
- Where do I camp?
- Elk Prairie Campground (Prairie Creek SP) is the marquee — book months out. Multiple other state-park and NPS campgrounds in the corridor.
Authoritative sources
- National Park Service — find a park National Park Service
- America's Byways — Federal Highway Administration scenic byway program FHWA National Scenic Byways
- Caltrans QuickMap — California road status State DOT
Verify current conditions with state DOT 511 systems before departure. RV restrictions may change. Weather may close roads.
Planning an RV trip along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway?
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